Transaction data capture devices and related methods

ABSTRACT

A data capture system captures transaction data and a unique identifier of a recipient and combines the information to form a total transaction data set. The total transaction data set is associated with demographic information about the recipient and the total information is reserved for review by providers or recipients respectively to analyze the transactions.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/182,876, filed Jun. 1, 2009, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to the capture of transaction data and theassociation of such data with a recipient and the recipient's associateddemographics. The associated data is made available for analysis.

SUMMARY

A data capture system captures transaction data and a unique identifierof a recipient and combines the information to form a total transactiondata set. The total transaction data set is associated with demographicinformation about the recipient, provider and the total information isreserved for review by providers or recipients, respectively, to analyzethe transactions.

According to aspects of this disclosure, a system is disclosedcomprising a data capture module that captures transaction data relatedto a transaction and a unique identifier of a recipient and provider, adata association module that associates the transaction data and theunique identifier, a database for storing the associated transactiondata and unique identifier disposed on a server, and an internet module.

According to aspects of this disclosure, a method is disclosedcomprising using a computer to capture a unique identifier of arecipient, capture transaction data related to a transaction between therecipient and a provider, associate the unique identifier with thetransaction data to form a total transaction data set, record the totaltransaction data set in a database, and provide the data related to oneor more transactions to a user via an internet module. The associatedunique identifier and transaction data are recorded whereby the totaltransaction data are associated with at least one of a provider accountor a recipient account.

According to aspects of this disclosure, a machine-readable medium isdisclosed having instructions stored thereon for associating a recipientwith a unique identifier, collecting demographic information from therecipient, capturing a unique identifier of the recipient at the pointof sale of a transaction, capturing transaction data related to thetransaction between the recipient and a provider at the point of sale,associating the unique identifier with the transaction data to form atotal transaction data set, recording the associated unique identifierand transaction data in a database, and further associating the totaltransaction data set with demographic information collected from therecipient.

DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent with reference to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like referencenumerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the devices used in atransaction data capture device and system;

FIG. 2 is an information sharing diagram of an embodiment of exemplaryfunctions available to a provider using the data capture system;

FIG. 3 is an information sharing diagram of an embodiment of exemplaryfunctions available to a recipient using the data capture system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the various modules usedin transaction data capture devices and systems; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of capturingtransaction data and associating the captured transaction data with theunique identifier of a recipient and collecting associated data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of embodiments of the presentdisclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which likereferences indicate similar elements, and in which is shown by way ofillustration specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, andit is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatlogical, mechanical, electrical, functional, and other changes may bemade without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined onlyby the appended claims. As used in the present disclosure, the term “or”shall be understood to be defined as a logical disjunction and shall notindicate an exclusive disjunction unless expressly indicated as such ornotated as “xor.”

As used herein, the term “demographic” shall mean a statistic of anentity, including persons and business entities, related to vitalstatistics, physical locations, geography, population size, populationdensity, and other data that is useful for analyzing behavior related totransactions.

As used herein, the term “transaction” shall mean the exchange of a goodor service between at least one entity providing the good or service andanother entity in exchange for remuneration from the other entity or athird entity. The term “transaction” expressly encompasses as individual“transactions” incremental steps in a complete transaction. For example,a recipient may purchase a meal at a hotel and charging it back to aroom; thus, at the time the meal transaction is complete, noremuneration for the meal is provided, although a provider may wish tocapture transaction data for the meal as part of an incremental part ofthe larger transaction (i.e., settling the entire hotel bill). The termtransaction shall also expressly contemplate third parties providing theremuneration for the recipient.

As used herein, the term “recipient” shall mean an entity providingremuneration to a provider for a good or service.

As used herein, the term “provider” shall mean an entity providing agood or service to a recipient for remuneration. Providers encompassentities providing the good at the point of sale, distributors of thegood or service, providers of the good or service, or manufacturers ofthe good or service.

As used herein, the term “point of sale” or “POS” shall mean thephysical or internet location where a transaction is captured orconducted. With respect to an internet location, the POS shall beconsidered as the website on which the transaction occurs.

As used herein, the term “entity” shall mean a person or, a business, orother unit or organization capable of entering into a transaction.

The inventors of this application invented devices, systems, and methodsfor the capture of transaction data and the association of thetransaction data with demographic data related to the recipient in thetransaction. According to embodiments, at the point of sale (POS), bothtransaction data and unique identifier associated with the recipient arecaptured (collected). These data are associated together and stored in adatabase. The database maintains these data for later analysis or use.

According to embodiments, total transaction data captured fromtransactions is useful in a variety of ways including providingproviders with tools to evaluate advertising success, product placement,and demographic purchasing trends. Providers also benefit by betterinventory control, and better understanding of the demographics enteringinto transaction with them. For recipients, the data provided by thesystems and methods disclosed herein include analysis of spending andbudgeting, among other uses. Other uses of the systems and methodsdisclosed herein expressly include: tracking hospital patient andequipment movement, inventory management, tracking people/equipmentmovement through transit systems (trains, busses, cars on roads), Kanbanproduction system management, supply chain management (SCM) tracking,event/building guest lists, hotel guest tab tracking, restaurantresource/supply management, bar resource/supply management, deliveryservice inventory/tracking (related to SCM), medicine inventorymanagement for use in households, pharmacy supply control (especially toensure the correct drugs are delivered in the proper dosages), householdclothing inventory, veterinarian and animal shelter pet tracking,food/drink/consumables rationing system management systems, electronicdata transmission permission management (control if afiles/data/information should be transmitted based on identifier, orwhat data/information has been transmitted).

According to embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 1, data capturesystem 1, with its related devices and modules, is disclosed. Accordingto embodiments, data capture system 1 comprises two primary components:remote server 10 and point-of-sale capture device 20. According toembodiments, recipient/provider computer 30 is considered part of datacapture system 1, but is under the control of the recipientrespectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, at each POS location, point of sale capturedevice 20 comprises one or more POS computers 200 that capture thetransaction data and identify the recipient involved in eachtransaction. According to embodiments, POS computer 200 comprises a cashregister capable of executing software necessary to collect transactiondata and associate the collected transaction data with a recipient'scaptured unique identifier. According to other embodiments, POS computer200 is a stand alone device used in conjunction with other salesequipment, for example analog cash registers, credit card readers, orcash boxes. According to this example, POS computer 200 could be apersonal computer connected to server 100 via in the internet. Accordingto other embodiments, POS computer 200 comprises a server and acollection of nodes connecting to the server, each node individuallycapturing transaction data and unique identifiers and conveying the datato the provider's server (e.g., a plurality of cash registers at agrocery store, which connect to a server that supplies each cashregister computer with prices, etc. for each bar code scanned).

According to embodiments, unique identifier reader 210 detects arecipient based on a unique identifier of that recipient. A uniqueidentifier comprises an alphanumeric string or other information thatuniquely identifies a recipient. Examples of unique identifiers includesocial security numbers, credit card numbers, driver's license numbers,email addresses, etc, or combinations thereof. According to alternateembodiments, each recipient's unique identifier comprises an arbitrarynumber assigned to the recipient or selected by the recipient. Accordingto still other embodiments, unique identifier include biometrics (retinascans, biological samples, DNA scans, etc.), quick response (QR) codes,photographic recognition of shapes and colors of an object on a personor the person itself (appearance-based recognition), uniquesignal/pattern transmission of electromagnetic waves, uniquesounds/vibrations both in pitch and pattern, scent recognition, imagesdisplayed on mobile electronic devices, unique codes storedelectronically on small storage devices (e.g., an identifier encoded inan identifier file contained on a USB storage device), light refractionthrough unique substances, and combinations thereof. Artisans willreadily recognize that many of these methods are encompassed by HID-typesystems, wherein a unique identifier is read by a specialized reader(e.g., RFID tags and readers, QR codes, retinal scans and otherbiometric scans, etc.).

According to embodiments, a verification personal identifier (PIN) canbe used in conjunction with the unique identifier for added security.The PIN is entered into an input device connected to POS computer 200according to embodiments.

According to embodiments, each recipient's unique identifier istransmitted from a human interface device (HID) device, such as an RFIDreader and tag. According to embodiments, HID device is an RFID tag andRFID reader. Accordingly, each HID device comprises at least an HID taghaving a chip or circuit that is able to store the unique identifier andcause transmission of the unique identifier when queried by HID readervia a radio frequency signal, and an antenna. According to embodiments,HID device can either be active or passive. For example, HID devicecomprises an HID tag disposed in a keychain fob according toembodiments, or embedded into a credit card sized card for storage in awallet or in other locations according to other equally effectiveembodiments. Other examples include HID tags embedded in themicrocircuits of mobile phones or other portable electronic devices.Generally, the HID tag must be disposed in a device that is carried onthe person of the recipient, whereby unique identifier reader 210 candetect and read the unique identifier transmitted by the HID tag whenthe recipient is nearby POS computer 200. According to the embodiments,HID reader is disposed at the POS and can read the HID tag duringcompletion of the transaction.

According to embodiments, when a recipient makes a transaction, forexample approaching a cash register to tender payment for goods orservice, an HID reader queries the recipient's HID tag and captures therecipient's unique identifier from the HID tag. According toembodiments, a PIN may be required to verify the identity of therecipient.

In some cases, multiple HID tags from multiple recipients will be inrange of unique identifier reader 210 (HID reader). In these cases, [HIDRESOLUTION] the provider may ask the recipient for physical HID deviceso the provider can disambiguate the multiple captured uniqueidentifiers by reference to HID device, according to embodiments.

According to alternate embodiments of disambiguating multiple capturedunique identifiers, the provider will be able to input into POS computer200 features that disambiguate the recipients. For example, if a couple,both having an HID device, approaches unique identifier reader 210, POScomputer will send both unique identifiers to server 100 with adisambiguation request. Server 100 will query database 1010, which willreturn demographic information related to both unique identifiers. Thereturned demographic data which will then be transmitted to POS computer200. POS computer 200, for example, will present the provider with anoption of selecting whether the male or female is conducting thetransaction. Depending on the selection made by the provider, the uniqueidentifier of the actual recipient making the transaction will bedisambiguated.

According to still other embodiments, the recipient will enter a uniquePIN into POS computer 200 via an input device. All of the HID's capturedduring the transaction will then be submitted as part of the totaltransaction data to server 100. When the total transaction data reachesserver 100, the PIN will be used to select the correct HID for thetransaction and the other captured unique identifiers will be discarded.

According to embodiments, unique identifier reader 210 is a credit cardmachine. Accordingly, the recipient's credit card number comprises theunique identifier. The credit card machine reads the credit card of therecipient, which is transmitted to server 100 as part of the totaltransaction data set and used as the primary or a secondary uniqueidentifier.

According to embodiments, recipients have multiple unique identifiers.For example, a recipient has a plurality of credit cards, a driver'slicense, a cellular telephone number, and email address, and an HID FOB.Each of these unique identifiers can be used to uniquely identify therecipient. For example, the recipient's HID tag is read at the time heapproaches a cash register by unique identifier reader 210, which is anHID reader in this case. Thereafter, the recipient might provide acredit card to tender payment to the provider. Both the uniqueidentifier transmitted by the HID tag and the credit card number aretransmitted as part of the total transaction data, set to server 100,according to embodiments, and the credit card number might be used todisambiguate multiple captured HID unique identifiers included in thetotal transaction data set. Moreover, if a recipient forgets a primaryform of tendering a unique identifier for example an HID card, therecipient will be able to use an alternate unique identifier at the POS,such as a credit card number, telephone number, or arbitrary uniqueidentifier.

According to embodiments, point of sale capture device 20 is a standalone device and peripheral used in conjunction with an analog cashregister. Accordingly, point of sale capture device 20 may comprise acredit card reader as described above further comprising both unique 210identifier reader and POS computer 200, or could comprise an inputdevice that allows the recipient to manually input a unique identifier.Such an input device is any computer input device that allows a user toinput an alphanumeric string, for example a keyboard, mouse, touchpad,or touch screen, according to embodiments.

According to embodiments, POS capture device 20 is a specialized cashregister that is configured to capture a unique identifier of arecipient via HID or via another method of identification as disclosedherein and automatically transmits the total transaction data to server100. Accordingly, the cash register's processor and other hardwarecomprise point of sale computer 200. The register's input and RFIDreader device comprises unique identifier reader 210, according toembodiments. According to other embodiments, the cash register isconfigured to receive signals from ancillary hardware comprising uniqueidentifier reader 210. In this case, the register is POS computer 200.

According to another example, POS computer 200 is a stand alone devicethat is intended to be used with paper forms of conducting transactions,for example for mobile cash stations or transactions traditionally donewith paper sales slips such as the purchase of an automobile or realestate. Accordingly, POS computer 200 captures a unique identifier viaunique identifier reader 210 which could be a built-in or ancillary HIDreader or input device, as described above. According to embodiments,POS computer 200 stores the unique identifier and outputs to theprovider a unique transaction number to be recorded with a paper recordof the transaction. Thereafter, the provider either scans the paperrecord or manually inputs transaction details contained with the paperrecord. At that time, the provider would also enter the uniquetransaction number, whereby the transaction data is coupled to thecaptured unique identifier of the recipient.

According to other embodiments, the entire transaction is conductedmanually. The provider records a unique identifier manually from therecipient, e.g., a driver's license number or a credit card number, aswell as the transaction data. The provider then inputs the uniqueidentifier and transaction data into POS computer 200.

According to embodiments, POS capture device 20 further comprisesvirtual printer 220. Virtual printer 220 prints a virtual copy of areceipt recording details of the transaction between the provider andthe recipient. According to embodiments, virtual printer 220 is aportable document format (pdf) printer, image printer, word processordocument printer, or other printer that prints a receipt to anelectronic file that is stored locally to POS computer's 200 local disk,solid state storage, or RAM, for example. According to embodiments, thetext embedded in the electronic file output from virtual printer 220 isrecognized via optical character recognition algorithms (OCR) or plaintext. According to embodiments, recognition is enhanced by providing theOCR algorithm with a template mask that directs the OCR algorithm wherein the virtual receipt to seek specific pieces of information. Forexample, the algorithm might “look” to the top right of the receipt tolocate the date. For each data field recognized, POS computer 200 storesthe data in local storage for later association with the recipient'sunique identifier to form a total transaction data set and subsequenttransmission to server 10. According to embodiments, virtual printer 220is used in conjunction with printer 230 for printing both a virtual copyof a receipt and a paper copy of the receipt that can be given to therecipient as proof of the transaction.

Rather than using an image of the transaction receipt via a virtualprinter and OCR to recognize and capture the details of the transaction,POS computer 200 stores and transmits raw transaction data, according toembodiments. For example, if a recipient purchases a package of gum, anSKU is scanned by an optical scanner connected to POS computer 200. OncePOS computer 200 recognizes the product SKU, certain data is accessedvia a database, for example, the name of the package of gum, the priceof the package of gum, etc. Similarly, other data is likewise gathered,for example the date and time of the transaction, the provider orprovider's agent that conducted the transaction, the physical locationwhere the transaction occurred, and other data that might be relevantwith respect to a given transaction. According to embodiments, thesespecific pieces of data are stored in a database or in an extensiblemark up language (XML) file. Rather than outputting this data via avirtual receipt, POS computer 200 gathers the data and stores it locallyuntil it is ready to be transmitted to server 100 with the recipient'sunique identifier. Where raw transaction data is captured, according toembodiments, an actual paper copy of the receipt is also output anddeliverable to the recipient as proof of the transaction.

According to embodiments, POS capture device 20 also comprises printer230 for printing paper receipts. Printer 230 is connected to POScomputer 200 via standard connections, e.g., serial connection (RS232),universal serial bus (USB) connection, network connection via IEEE801.02 wired standard or IEEE 802.11 wireless standard, Bluetooth (IEEE802.15.1), or via proprietary connection methods. Printer 230 is anystandard receipt printer, according to embodiments.

According to embodiments, after transaction data and the recipient'sunique identifier are captured, they are associated together to form thetotal transaction data set. According to embodiments, association occursat the time the transaction occurs. For example, at the conclusion ofthe transaction, the transaction data and the unique identifier of therecipient are combined into the total transaction data set. The totaltransaction data set is stored in a database or as an XML file,according to embodiments. In both cases, association of the transactiondata with the unique identifier is accomplished by simply adding theunique identifier to a database table or appending it to an XML filewith the appropriate tags. The receipt given to the recipient as proofof the transaction includes the total transaction data, according toembodiments. Thus, the recipient is able to verify that he is correctlyidentified as the recipient. According to other embodiments, thecombination of unique identifier and transaction data occurs shortlyafter the transaction is concluded. Generally, combination of the uniqueidentifier and transaction data is effective around the time of thetransaction and prior to subsequent transactions occurring.

According to embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 1, POS capturedevice 20 communicates with remote server 10 bi-directionally. POScapture device 20 transmits total transaction data, comprising bothtransaction data, an associated unique identifier of the recipientinvolved in the transaction, and a provider identifier to remote server10. According to embodiments the connection between remote server 10 andPOS capture device 20 is an internet connection using common internetprotocols (e.g. http, ftp, etc.) or occurs via telephone connection.

According to embodiments, remote server 10 comprises at least server 100and database 1010. According to embodiments, server 100 comprises atleast a web server service, for example an Apache web server or InternetInformation Services (IIS) web server. Server 100 facilitates remotecommunication with point of sale capture device 20 via the web server,according to embodiments.

According to embodiments, server 100 also communicates with database1010. According to embodiments, server 100 will support server sidescripting, of any kind, for example PHP: hypertext preprocessor (PHP),for access of the data to be written to or contained in database 1010and also for dynamically presenting data as part of webpages to arecipient or provider via recipient/provider computer 30.

According to embodiments database 1010 is implemented as part of server1010. Database is the central hub for all the data to be collected,stored, and processed. It is also a location from where data isretrieved. Database 1010 is an organizational tool for organizing andstoring data gathered at the point of sale. Database 1010 may beimplemented as a SQL database, MYSQL database, or Oracle database, or aproprietary database for example. Use of other commercially available orspecially implemented databases are expressly contemplated. According toother embodiments, database 1010 is developed specifically fororganizing and storing data generated from transactions. Generally,database 1010 must be able to store and retrieve large volumes of dataand provide access to the data.

According to embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 1, therecipient/provider can use computer 300 having an internet connection tocommunicate with server 100. Using internet connected computer 300,provider/recipient can access a variety of data related to completedtransaction.

For example, as illustrated according to embodiments in FIG. 2, eachprovider has account 400A, 400B, 400N with data capture system 1.According to embodiments, each provider account is private from otherprovider's accounts. Each provider account is hosted on server 100, viaprovider account 400A, 400B, 400N, a provider is able to access datacontained in database 1010. Using internet connected computer 300 (FIG.1), providers are able to view data related to individual transactions,view demographics related statistics, etc. For example, a provider maywant to know what age group is buying a given product, or the providermay wish to know whether more men or more women shop at his store. Thesedata can be used in various ways by the provider: to promote products,to evaluate and select advertising channels, to product placement on thefloor of brick-and-mortar stores.

According to embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 2, each provideraccount comprises a plurality of modules. Each module is tailored toperform one or more specific functions. Front-end login credentialmodule 402 provides provider with a portal to securely log into and outof the account, as well as change login passwords. Individual settingsmodule 404 gives the provider the ability to set individual settings,for example default screen resolution, number of search results in alist, etc. Such settings are well known and understood by artisans.

According to embodiments, reports module 406 allows the provider tocreate and run various reports related to total transaction datacontained in database 1010, for example. Recipient demographicinformation module 408 allows provider to create and run various queriesrelated to the demographics of recipients with whom provider enteredtransactions. Similarly, product demographic information module 410allows the provider to create and run various queries related to thesales of particular goods or services, and evaluate the demographics ofthose who are buying or not buying those goods or services. Transactionhistories module 412 allows the provider to review transaction historiesbased on criteria such as date, store, recipient, etc. Each of modules406, 408, 410, 412 are database query modules that allow the provider toreview and evaluate transaction data based on a given criteria.According to embodiments, each of these modules 406, 408, 410, 412 arecondensed into a single database search module. However, for thepurposes of illustration of the types of data that would be available inan exemplary provider account of data capture system 1, they arepresented herein as individual modules. Other modules are likewiseexpressly contemplated depending on the specific transaction datacaptured per each implementation of data capture system 1.

Finally, each provider account comprises analysis tools module 414,according to embodiments. Analysis tools module 414 provides tools foranalyzing various data. For example, analysis tools may look at thesales of a particular product and make a recommendation for anadvertising channel depending on demographics. For example, analysistools could look for products purchased by women aged 30-50 for anadvertising spot in Good Housekeeping. According to another example, thesame product could be advertised in different markets using differentadvertising campaigns. Analysis tools module could then be used toanalyze which campaign was more effective on a per demographics basis.

According to embodiments, other providers in the chain of a good orservice, such as the manufacturer of a good will have an account withdata capture system 1 and have POS total transaction data that concernsthem automatically pushed to their accounts. Each manufacturer willplace into commerce goods that are indentified with an SKU, and as suchwill be able to aggregate data for all goods or services associated withthe SKU and use that data for beneficial purposes specific to themanufacturer.

For example, when a given good is sold, the manufacturer of the good mayautomatically have data for the transaction associated with themanufacturer's account based on the SKU. Other data that might be pushedto the manufacturers account, according to embodiments, includes atleast the name of the provider, the identity of the recipient provided.According to other embodiments, the recipient's identity or demographicinformation could be held confidential unless the recipient expresslyconsents to have it shared with the provider or requests automaticenrollment in a warranty program, for example. According to someembodiments, some data from the transaction is withheld from themanufacturer. For example, if a recipient purchases three goodsmanufactured by three different manufacturers, then each manufacturerwould only have access to total transaction data as it relates tothem—i.e., data related to sale of the goods produced by the othermanufacturers would be transparent to the manufacturer such that as faras the manufacturer is concerned, only a single good was purchased bythe recipient. With transaction data that is automatically pushed to themanufacturer, the manufacturer is able to make manufacturing forecasts,run reports, budget required stock and assess inventory in real time.Moreover, manufacturers can use transaction data to incentivize theprovider at the POS or adjust the suggested prices based on real timedata regarding demand. A manufacturer-provider account would closelyresemble the provider accounts described above, except would be tailoredto providing data specific to the manufacturer. Generally, any entitycan have an account provided they have a unique identifier (such as arecipient unique identifier or a provider unique identifier, or theysupply a good or service that can be uniquely identified).

FIG. 3 illustrates embodiments of a recipient's account with datacapture system 1. Accordingly, recipients and providers have differentfunctions at their disposal. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality ofrecipient accounts 500A, 500B, 500N are shown. Each recipient account500A, 500B, 500N is implemented on server 100, according to embodiments,and comprises a plurality of modules that allow the recipient to performtasks. Front-end login credential module 502 provides the recipient witha portal to securely log into and out of the account, as well as changelogin passwords. Individual settings module 504 gives the recipient theability to set individual settings, for example default screen, outputresolution, number of search results in a list, etc. Such settings arewell known and understood by artisans.

According to embodiments, reports module 506, transaction historiesmodule 508, and analysis tools module 510 operate the same as thecorresponding modules in provider accounts 400A, 400B, 400N (FIG. 2),except that the functions are tailored to recipients. For example,reports module 506 would give the recipient access to reports abouttheir spending history, behaviors, and categories of purchases, interalia. Similarly and for example, transaction histories module 508 wouldgive the recipient access to all transactions completed with allproviders or for a given provider. Finally, analysis tools would providea recipient with an analysis of spending habits and histories and couldhelp the recipient budget, make grocery lists, manage warranties orrebates, and many other functions. Each recipient account 500A, 500B,500N also includes a recipient demographics module 512 that solicits therecipient's demographics. For example, demographics module 512 causesthe recipient to input an address, a birthday, family size, income,vocation, hobbies/interests or other personal data related to therecipient and the recipient's interests. According to embodiments, thesedata are stored in database 1010 and can be concatenated with each totaltransaction data set to augment the data generated at the POS and giveproviders and recipients more powerful data analysis tools.

According to embodiments, FIG. 4 illustrates various software modulescomprising data capture system 1. According to the exemplaryillustration, the various components of data capture system are executedon point of sale capture device 20, on remote server 10, and onrecipient/provider computer 300. According to embodiments, each of thesecomponents are connected via the internet (e.g., via http, ftp, or otherwell known or proprietary communications protocols). According toembodiments, communications can be encrypted or unencrypted.

As illustrated according to exemplary embodiments, POS computer 200comprises data capture module 2002 and data association module 2008.Data capture module 2002 comprises, according to embodiments,transaction data module 2004 and unique identifier module 2006.Transaction data module 2004 captures the details of a transaction. Forexample, at the start of a transaction, transaction data module 2004records the date of the transaction and the time of the transaction in alocal memory involved or XML file. Transaction data module 2004 alsorecords an identifier of the provider's agent, the transaction, as wellas a unique provider identifier. As the transaction proceeds,transaction data module 2004 further records each good or servicepurchased, the quantity of each good or service purchased, and the priceof each good or service. Towards the conclusion of the transaction, datatransaction module 2004 records the total amount tendered, the tax due,and the method of payment. According to the exemplary embodiments, datatransaction module 2004 also records the credit card number of therecipient, if a credit card was tendered for payment as a primary orsecondary unique identifier of the recipient. In this sense transactiondata module 2004 captures data that is also applicable to data capturedby unique identifier module 2006. Indeed, in actual practice,transaction data module 2004 and unique identifier module 2006 are thesame software. However, they can be separate software as well,particularly in embodiments where POS computer 200 and unique identifierreader 210 are distinct hardware, each running software of their own.

According to embodiments, data capture module 2002 also comprisessoftware for running various hardware components used in thetransaction. Such hardware components comprise, for example, bar codescanners, input devices such as numeric key pads or cash registerkeyboards, credit card machines, provider or recipient displays forshowing the prices of goods or services being purchased, etc. Datacapture module 2002, according to embodiments, communicates with aprovider maintained database to look up prices for each bar codescanned. According to other embodiments, transaction data module 2004accomplishes these tasks. As explained above, the modular organizationpresented in FIG. 4 is intended to illustrate functions needed topractice data capture system; the organization is therefore intended tobe exemplary and instructional rather than limiting.

According to embodiments where virtual printer 220 is used to capturetransaction data, transaction data module 2004 is responsible for OCR ofthe document. After OCR is complete, transaction data module 2004 parsesthe data. Accordingly, data is recognized and categorized. For example,transaction data module may have a mask to interpret the contents of anOCRed virtual receipt. The mask will tell transaction data module 2004where to look for the date, the register used for the transaction, etc.According to other embodiments, data transaction module 2004 parses thetext and recognizes it based on preprogrammed parsing conventions (e.g.,how the virtual receipt formats the date, time, prices, productidentification, etc). Each of these data are stored locally temporarily(e.g. via database on XML file) until processed by data associationmodule 2008.

According to embodiments, unique identifier capture module 2006 capturesor interacts with hardware that captures the recipient's uniqueidentifier and records it locally. For example, unique identifiercapture module 2006 comprises software that interacts with or drivesunique identifier reader 210. For example, where unique identifierreader 210 is an HID reader, unique identifier capture module 2006interacts with the HID reader and records input to the HID reader.Moreover, according to embodiments, unique identifier capture module2008 disambiguates multiple or inconsistent unique identifier asdescribed above. Data captured by unique identifier capture module 2008is stored in the same or different database or XML file as thetransaction data.

According to embodiments, data association module 2008 combines thetransaction data and the unique identifier and forms the totaltransaction data set. The total transaction data set comprises the datacaptured by transaction data module 2004, and the one or more uniqueidentifiers captured during the course of the transaction. According toembodiments, data association module also “packages” the totaltransaction data into a form that is readable by server 100. Forexample, data association module takes transaction data parsed bytransaction data module and formats it in appropriate fields into aspecially server-formatted document that is transmitted to server 100for data entry into database 1010.

Once the total transaction data set is captured, it is transmitted toserver 100. According to embodiments, server comprises database 1010 andinternet connection module 1040. As illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 4, server also comprises data prioritization module1020 or data mining module 1030.

Implementations of database 1010 are described above.

According to embodiments, data prioritization module 1020 prioritizesrequests for server communications and processing bandwidth, forexample. According to embodiments, transaction speed at the POS ishighest priority for server 100 requests. Thus, POS computer 200 isgiven priority over other non-critical server processes or databaseaccess requests to expedite transactions at the POS. Thus, when usingrecipient/provider computer 300, greater lag will be experienced inobtaining access to database 1010 than when using POS computer 200.Similarly, overhead processes such as indexing and data mining are lowerpriority as well.

According to embodiments, data mining module 1030 comprises a processthat aggregates and indexes data contained in database 1010 for morerapid retrieval. Data mining module performs analysis of data withindatabase 1010. For example, data mining module 1030 comprises arecommendations engine for recommending products or services torecipients or product placement or advertising channels for providers,according to embodiments. According to other embodiments, data miningmodule 1030 analyzes data contained in database 1010 for trends. Inessence, data mining module 1030 optimizes database content for viewingvia recipient/provider computer 300 or for transmission to point of salecomputer 200. Data mining is a low priority process, according toembodiments.

Internet connection module 1040 resides on server 100 and comprisesinternet back-end 1052 and internet front-end 1310. Internet front-end1310 is illustrated as being part of recipient/provider computer 300 tobetter visualize where each module is “experienced.” However, artisanswill readily appreciate that internet front-end 1310 is actually hostedon server 100 and recipient/provider computer 300 downloads a documentsuch as a hypertext markup language (HTML) document from server 100,where it is hosted, to recipient/provider computer 3000 where it isdisplayed by a web browser. Proprietary display software is contemplatedas well, in which case the document or raw data is transmitted via XMLor other known or proprietary communications protocols.

According to embodiments, internet back-end 1052 is the bridge betweenthe internet front-end 1310 and database 1010. According to embodiments,internet back-end 1052 comprises tools used to query database 1010 andoutputs results to internet front-end 1310 for viewing by the recipientor provider. Internet back-end comprises, according to embodiments, aplurality of scripts (e.g., PHP langauge scripts) executable viainternet front-end 1310 or automatically.

According to embodiments, internet front-end 1310 provides auser-friendly interface for interacting with server 100, and morespecifically the data in database 1010. Internet front-end 1310comprises, according to embodiments, one or more webpages designed as aninterface to view data in database 1010. For example, a recipient woulduse internet front-end 1310 to login to her account and view a historyof her most recent transactions, look at her spending trends, or look atthe balance of her rewards points with a given provider. According toanother example, a provider uses internet front-end 1310 to login to hisaccount and view transaction details, from the performance of the salesof one product, to the most productive salesperson, to the demographicspurchasing a product, to the relative success of an advertisingcampaign, and so forth. Internet front-end 1310 formats webpagescontaining the data and allows the recipient or provider to view thewebpages in a browser. Internet front-end 1310 also provides theinterface for the recipient to manage her account and input demographicinformation, as well as print coupons or otherwise interact with datacapture system 1. Likewise, internet front-end 1310 provides the samebasic account level functionality to provider, including accountmanagement, analytical tools, etc.

According to embodiments, application programming interface 1054 (API)allows for the development and implementation of usable features inthird party webpages or applications 1320 that require access to data indatabase 1010 via internet back-end 1052. According to embodiments, APIcomprises a vocabulary and calling conventions for access to database1010 via internet back-end 1054. The vocabulary and calling conventioncomprises at least one of protocols, objects, routines, data structures,etc. that enable a third party webpage or application developer toaccess data from database 1010 via internet back-end 1054.

According to embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 5, a method forcombining a recipient's demographic information with transaction data isdescribed. As illustrated, transaction data is captured during atransaction between a recipient and a provider in operation 5010. Atsome point before, during, or after the transaction is completed, atleast one unique identifier of the recipient is captured as describedherein in operation 5020. The unique identifier data and transactiondata are associated together to form a total transaction data set inoperation 5030, which is recorded in database 1010 in operation 5040. Inoperation 5050, additional demographics are associated with the totaltransaction data set from the demographic information provided by therecipient. Operation 5050 is optional, according to embodiments, as anoptimization to enhance efficiency in implementations of data capturesystem 1 that provides demographic information to recipients orproviders for transactions. After the demographics are or are not,according to the particular implementation, associated in embodimentsthat associate the recipient's demographics with the total transactiondata set, or after the total transaction data set is recorded indatabase 1010 for other embodiments, data from the database is providedto providers or recipients in operation 5060.

According to embodiments, the devices, systems, or methods disclosedherein are operational in an information technology infrastructure orwith numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing systemenvironments or configurations. Examples of well known computingsystems, environments, or configurations that may be suitable for usewith the subject matter of this disclosure include, but are not limitedto, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices,multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes,programmable recipient electronics, network PCs, minicomputers,mainframe computers, telephony systems, distributed computingenvironments that include any of the above systems or devices, or thelike.

According to embodiments, the devices, systems, or methods disclosedherein are described in the general context of computer-executableinstructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer.Generally, program modules include, for example, routines, programs,objects, components, data structures, which perform particular tasks orimplement particular abstract data types. The devices, systems, ormethods disclosed herein may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer storage media, including memory storage devices. The computerprograms are stored in a memory medium or storage medium or they may beprovided to a processing unit through a network or I/O bus.

According to embodiments, the devices, systems, or methods disclosedherein include at least one central processing unit (CPU) or processor.According to embodiments, the CPU is coupled to a memory, ROM, orcomputer readable media containing the computer-executable instructionsfor implementing a database or the systems disclosed herein, as well asperforming the methods disclosed herein. The machine readable media maystore instructions or data which implement all or part of the system ormethods described herein. According to embodiments, machine readablemedia is any available media that can be accessed by the devices orsystems disclosed herein, or by computers generally, and includes bothvolatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information, suchas computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to:random access memory; read-only memory; EEPROM; flash memory; portablememory or other memory technology; CD-ROM, digital versatile disks(DVD), or other optical disk storage; magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices; or any othermedium which can be used to store the desired information and which canbe accessed by the data capture system disclosed herein.

Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media includes wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radiofrequency, infrared, or other wireless media. Combinations of any of theabove should also be included within the scope of communications media.

Examples Example 1 Use of Data Capture System in Manufacturer ProductDistribution Management Including Warranty Registration

According to embodiments, data capture system 1 is provides an effectiveplatform for handling warrantees from the provider or manufacturers tothe recipients. For example, warranties for durable goods such asrefrigerators, lawn mowers, etc can automatically be administeredthrough use of data capture system 1.

According to embodiments, the manufacturer would require that itsdistributors or providers install and use data capture system 1, whichwould enable the manufacturer to gather real time information regardingwhen an item they manufacture is sold. It would also help themanufacturer better manage their supply chain. For example, ACME sellslarge quantities of lawn and garden equipment to ABC Hardware. ACMEcontinues to produce equipment based on what it expects the market tosell. If, for example, ABC sells mainly walk behind mowers, but ACME hasanticipated sales of small garden tractors, ACME would be over producingthat small garden tractors. However, if ACME required ABC to utilizedata capture system 1 at the point of sale, ACME could shift what isordering from its suppliers and its build schedule to meet the marketrequirements in real time.

Moreover, by knowing exactly who has purchased the equipment, therewould be no need for the recipient to fill out warranty information.Rather, warrant information could be transmitted to the manufacturerimmediately. This information could be shared with ABC as well toestablish a better relationship with the recipient. Product recallscould be done better as well as overall warranty handling.

Example 2 Use of Data Capture System with Companies with Multiple Chains

Companies with multiple chains, especially independent chains, couldemploy the data capture system 1. Using data capture system 1 inconjunction with each cash register would allow for better management ofinventory and sales tracking. Companies would also generate real timedata regarding the success of their marketing strategies.

Example 3 Use of Data Capture System in Hotels

According to embodiments, data capture system 1 can be used in hotels.For example, guests could be issued a card with an HID tag, such as anRFID tag, that would be linked to the data capture system 1. The guestcould go from place to place within the hotel and be offered services,seamlessly confirming changes in real time. No keys or signatures wouldbe required in the hotel at any point where a unique identifier readercould capture the guests HID. Management could also track thesemovements and re-allocate man-power and other resources immediately toareas having the most need.

Example 4 Use of Data Capture System in Hospitals

According to embodiments, data capture system 1 can be used in hospitalsto track patients through the hospital, confirm identity of patients,guests, and staff, and improve patient flow. Moreover, data capturesystem 1 can be used in an inventory control context, in addition to thecontexts described above to monitor and track equipment and helpoptimize utilization. Accordingly, various nodes would be placedthroughout the hospital to track the patients, guests, staff, orequipment.

For example, RFID tags could be embedded into patient bracelets andstaff identification badges. Guests could be issued temporary guestcards they would be required to carry on their person at all time whilein the hospital. Likewise, equipment could be tagged. RFID reader nodescould be installed in doorways, hallways, and at other strategicallyuseful points for tracking the people and inventory. Consequently, atany given time, data capture system 1 could be used to track specificusers—for example, for a woman who is in labor, data capture system 1could be used to immediately locate her husband who is out getting asnack.

Artisans will readily recognize that in the context of a hospital, eachtracking event of a person, staff, guest, or equipment comprises atransaction. In this case, the provider would be considered the hospitaland the recipient the patient, guest, staff, or piece of equipment.

While the apparatus and method have been described in terms of what arepresently considered to be practical and effective embodiments, it is tobe understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosedembodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similararrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, thescope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and similar structures. The presentdisclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims.

1. A system comprising: a data capture module that captures transactiondata related to a transaction and a unique identifier of a recipient; adata association module that associates the transaction data and theunique identifier; a database for storing the associated transactiondata and unique identifier disposed on a server; and an internet module.2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a data mining module. 3.The system of claim 1, further comprising a data prioritization modulethat prioritizes connections to the database.
 4. A method comprisingusing a computer to: capture a unique identifier of a recipient; capturetransaction data related to a transaction between the recipient and aprovider; associate the unique identifier with the transaction data toform a total transaction data set; record the total transaction data setin a database; and provide the data related to one or more transactionto a user via an internet module; wherein the associated uniqueidentifier and transaction data are recorded whereby the totaltransaction data are associated with at least one of a provider accountor a recipient account.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprisingrecording demographic data from each recipient and associating thedemographic data with the recipient's unique identifier.
 6. The methodof claim 5, wherein the demographic data comprises at least one of: age,gender, income, address, family size, and hobbies/interests.
 7. Themethod of claim 4, further comprising causing the total transaction datato be organized for rapid access to information.
 8. The method of claim4, wherein access to the database is prioritized whereby informationsubmitted from or transmitted to a point of sale receives the highestpriority.
 9. The method of claim 4, further comprising associating aunique identifier for at least one good or service into the totaltransaction data.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the provider is amanufacturer, and wherein the manufacturer is not provided with totaltransaction data related to goods or services that were part of thetransaction from other manufacturers.
 11. The method of claim 4, whereineach transaction comprises a series of sub-transactions, and wherein thetotal transaction data of each sub-transaction is captured as anindividual transaction.
 12. A machine-readable medium havinginstructions stored thereon for, on a computer: associating a recipientwith a unique identifier; collecting demographic information from therecipient; capturing a unique identified of the recipient at the pointof sale of a transaction; capturing transaction data related to thetransaction between the recipient and a provider at the point of sale;associating the unique identifier with the transaction data to form atotal transaction data set; recording the associated unique identifierand transaction data in a database; and further associating the totaltransaction data set with demographic information collected from therecipient.
 13. The machine-readable medium of claim 12, furthercomprising recording demographic data from each recipient andassociating the demographic data with the recipient's unique identifier.14. The machine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the demographicdata comprises at least one of: age, gender, income, address, familysize, and hobbies/interests.
 15. The machine-readable medium of claim12, further comprising causing the total transaction data to beorganized for rapid access to information.
 16. The machine-readablemedium of claim 12, wherein access to the database is prioritizedwhereby information submitted from or transmitted to a point of salereceives the highest priority.
 17. The machine-readable medium of claim12, further comprising associating a unique identifier for at least onegood or service into the total transaction data.
 18. Themachine-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the provider is amanufacturer, and wherein the manufacturer is not provided with totaltransaction data related to goods or services that were part of thetransaction from other manufacturers.
 19. The machine-readable medium ofclaim 12, wherein each transaction comprises a series ofsub-transactions, and wherein the total transaction data of eachsub-transaction is captured as an individual transaction.